New Zealand pulverize Argentina to reach rugby World Cup final

New Zealand crushed Argentina 44-6 on Friday night to advance to the rugby union World Cup final.

New Zealand's Will Jordan scored three tries during his side's 44-6 win over Argentina to move into the 2023 rugby union World Cup final six weeks after losing their opening match to France. AP - Aurelien Morissard

Argentina - playing in the semis for the third time - took an early lead at the Stade de France through Emiliano Boffelli's penalty.

But New Zealand hit back with Will Jordan's try and Richie Mo'Unga's conversion.

They moved further ahead after 17 minutes. Jordie Barrett finished off a slick move involving Rieko Ioane, Mo'Unga and Sam Whitelock.

But Argentina kept within touching distance after another Boffelli penalty.

But that was as good as it got for the South Americans. From 12-6, New Zealand - seeking a fifth appearance in the final - took over.

Mo'unga converted a penalty to increase the lead to 15-6 and Shane Frizell trotted over the line on the cusp of half-time to send the three-time champions into the pause leading 20-6.

Endgame

Hopes of an Argentine comeback evaporated instantly.

Two minutes after the restart, New Zealand scrum-half Aaron Smith jinked  his way over the line and Mo'unga added the two points for the conversion.

And once Frizell went over for his second try, it was just a question of whether New Zealand would play England or South Africa in the final at the Stade de France on 28 October.

Jordan claimed his second to increase the lead to 39-6.

And even though Scott Barrett received a yellow card in the 65th minute, Argentina failed to exploit his absence. 

Jordan stole the show with his third. Collecting the ball from Ardie Savea, he raced through midfield and lobbed the ball over Boffelli, ran to collect it before touching down over the line.

Sumptuous skills and the disappointment of the opening day defeat against France six weeks ago well and truly banished.